Syndrome of increased neuro-reflex excitability

What is VSD

Vegetovascular dystonia (VSD), or neurocirculatory syndrome, is a functional disorder of the autonomic nervous system, in which a complex of symptoms appears that are not characteristic of a specific disease. Examination of patients with suspected VSD most often does not reveal changes in the structure of internal organs, but may show deviations in their function at the border of normal.

Autonomic dysfunction cannot be called a full-fledged disease; this diagnosis is not included in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). But therapists, cardiologists and neurologists continue to make this diagnosis to patients in whom the examination did not reveal any disorders, and complaints of poor health continue.

It is believed that manifestations of pathology arise due to disturbances in the coordination of the two structures of the autonomic nervous system. It consists of the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems, which differ in their effects on the body. The activator of sympathy is the hormone adrenaline, so it performs the following functions:

• increases the number of heart contractions;
• increases blood pressure;
• stimulates the release of glucose into the blood;
• dilates the arteries of the brain, lungs and heart;
• reduces saliva secretion;
• suppresses peristalsis of the digestive tract;
• dilates the bronchi and enhances gas exchange;
• enlarges pupils;
• causes spasm of the sphincters of the bladder and digestive tract.

These reactions are necessary to protect the body in a dangerous situation, to activate it to escape. The parasympathetic nervous system works in the opposite direction. It reduces blood pressure, accelerates peristalsis of the intestines and urinary organs, and constricts the pupils and bronchi. The parasympathetic activator is the substance acetylcholine. It slows down the heartbeat, reduces blood glucose levels and relaxes all the sphincters in the body.

Autonomic dystonia occurs when the sympathetic or parasympathetic system is activated spontaneously, for no apparent reason. Therefore, a person suddenly has an increased heartbeat while at rest, his blood pressure rises, and he is worried about anxiety.

But often vegetative-vascular dystonia is a precursor to serious diseases. Having arisen at a young age without treatment, after a few years it leads to the formation of arterial hypertension, heart disease, digestive tract and hormonal disorders.

Hyperreactivity in children

Hyperreactivity in children is one of the consequences of damage to the perinatal nervous system; it is the main consequence of hypoxia, trauma at the time of birth, and intrauterine infection.

The perinatal period is the moment from 28 (26) weeks of pregnancy to 7 days after the birth of the baby.

A hyperreactive child is not the only manifestation of PCNSL. Often hyperreactivity in children is combined with attention deficit disorder and possible minimal brain damage. At an older age, the child develops disorders not only of attention, but also of other cognitive functions (memory, thinking, speech).

Young parents pay attention to the strange behavior of the baby: increased muscle tone, sudden shudders when turning on a dim light, or from hearing noise.

This is how hyperreactivity can manifest in children.

Hyperreactivity syndrome is formed in the prenatal period and is a consequence of a deficiency of incoming oxygen through the uteroplacental blood flow. This is accompanied first by increased activity of the fetus, and subsequently by a slowdown in movement and movement. This may indicate serious problems not only in the health of the mother, but also of the fetus. Hyperreactivity syndrome is a neurological and behavioral disorder of child development. As a rule, hyperreactivity syndrome in children is not treated and therefore transforms into an adult state, combined with attention deficit, especially in adolescence and school age.

Hyperreactivity in children is a fairly common problem for all children, PPCNS is about 85%, and hyperreactivity syndrome in 25% of cases. It has been noted that hyperreactivity is more common in boys than in girls (about 3 times more often).

Causes and symptoms of VSD

Adolescents and women are at risk for developing vegetative-vascular dystonia. In men, VSD rarely occurs as an independent syndrome; dystonia is usually associated with other diseases. The causes of the pathology are most often unknown, but its appearance is associated with the following provoking factors:

• stress – constant nervous tension causes the release of stress hormones, which stimulate the autonomic nervous system;
• hormonal changes - physiologically in women during the menstrual cycle, with the onset of pregnancy, menopause, the concentration of sex steroids changes, which indirectly affect the functioning of the nervous system;
• maturation of the nervous system – in adolescents leads to pronounced signs of VSD;
• bad habits - smoking, drinking alcohol, caffeinated drinks cause disturbances in the functioning of blood vessels and the conduction of nerve impulses.

The first symptoms of vegetative dystonia may appear in childhood. They are associated with heredity and characteristics of pregnancy. If the expectant mother suffers from vegetative-vascular dystonia, smokes, and has been diagnosed with arterial hypertension, then the risk of pathology in the child increases significantly. The health of the baby is negatively affected by intrauterine hypoxia, disruption of feto-placental blood flow, as well as the stress experienced by the pregnant woman. Acute fetal hypoxia during childbirth can also lead to the formation of VSD at an early age.

The formation of vegetative-vascular dystonia in adults can be associated with osteochondrosis, head injuries, and poor nutrition. Prolonged life in poor environmental conditions and work in hazardous industries also leads to VSD. Weather-dependent people also often experience dystonia.

Symptoms of autonomic dysfunction are varied; doctors identify more than 40 signs of the disease, but not all of them occur in one patient. Usually this is a combination of 4-5 constant symptoms and several additional ones. Depending on the manifestations of the cardiovascular system, there are three types of vegetative-vascular dystonia:

• cardiac - not accompanied by pressure surges, it is characterized by pain in the heart area or interruptions in its work;
• hypertensive type - a person suffers from high blood pressure, which is accompanied by panic attacks, chills, and increased physical activity;
• hypotensive type – characterized by low blood pressure, which is maintained at 100/50-90/45 mm Hg. Additional concerns include weakness, drowsiness, and dizziness.

Signs of dystonia include periodic shortness of breath, a feeling of shortness of breath, or a sensation of spasm in the throat. Many people complain to the doctor about pain in the heart, a feeling of increased heartbeat, pressure in the chest, interruptions in the heart, but it is rarely possible to record them using an ECG. Symptoms of autonomic dysfunction include decreased appetite, heartburn, flatulence and other digestive disorders. The disease manifests itself in the form of frequent urination or urinary retention, chills and cold extremities, and increased sweating. Many people complain of weather sensitivity, sleep disturbances, mood swings and irritability. In women with VSD, the menstrual cycle may be disrupted or symptoms of premenstrual syndrome may appear 1-2 weeks before menstruation.

The severity of signs of vegetative-vascular dystonia may vary. Depending on the frequency of symptoms, the following types of disease are distinguished:

• paroxysmal – attacks of vegetative-vascular dystonia periodically appear;
• permanent - the symptoms of dystonia are constant, usually mild, but can intensify under the influence of provoking factors;
• mixed - includes characteristics of the two previous types;
• latent type - signs of the disease appear only after severe stress, the rest of the time the symptoms do not bother.

Vegetative-vascular dystonia, if prolonged without treatment, can lead to disturbances in the functioning of the heart. People who are overweight, eat poorly, and suffer from physical inactivity have an increased risk of developing coronary heart disease and hypertension. In women aged 45-50 years, VSD aggravates the course of menopause.

Causes

The origins of disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system are laid during the mother's pregnancy. Unfavorable factors that make a child’s psyche unstable are:

1. Toxicoses of pregnant women;
2. Fetoplacental disorders (pathology of fetal and placental development);
3. Fetal hypoxia;
4. Intrauterine infection;
5. Adverse habits of a pregnant woman;
6. Uncontrolled use of medications during pregnancy;
7. Infectious diseases of the mother during pregnancy;
8. Traumatic childbirth;
9. Rapid or prolonged labor;
10. Prematurity and postmaturity;

Diagnostic methods

Vegetative-vascular dystonia is an exception diagnosis. This means that it is placed after a complete examination of the cardiovascular and nervous systems, if no abnormalities are found in them.

For diagnosis, you need to contact a general practitioner, who, if necessary, will refer you to a cardiologist, neurologist or endocrinologist. In order for a doctor to make an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to accurately describe the symptoms and the time of their onset. The therapist will definitely clarify whether the patient drinks alcohol, nicotine, how often he drinks coffee and what daily routine he follows. This data is necessary to correctly make recommendations for the treatment of the disease.

To diagnose vegetative-vascular dystonia, the following methods are used:

• laboratory diagnostics - general blood and urine analysis without specific changes, in biochemical analysis the lipid ratio may be disturbed;
• blood test for hormones - a study of thyroid hormones is indicative; if they increase, tachycardia and weight loss may be observed;
• ECG - changes are not typical for VSD, sometimes it is possible to record tachycardia, single extrasystoles, but there are no signs of severe conduction disturbances in the heart;
• EEG - electroencephalogram can reveal slight deviations in the conduction of impulses in the brain;
• Ultrasound of internal organs - examination of the abdominal cavity in case of complaints of indigestion, examination of the heart, kidneys, and pelvic organs in women.

Dysfunction of the nervous system is not accompanied by damage to internal organs; most indicators are within the normal range, despite complaints of poor health.

Treatment

If there are signs of hyperexcitability in infants, it is necessary to begin treatment with a pediatric neurologist as soon as possible. In addition to drug treatment, the following are used:

• massage that brings very good results;
• physiotherapy;
• water procedures;

When treating schoolchildren, the tactics are different. The main role is given to the psychotherapist, who works with both the child and his parents. Need to:

1. Avoid his isolation in the children's group;
2. Create a comfortable environment for the child at home, avoid loud conversations;
3. Organize your daily routine;
4. Increase physical activity (outdoor work and sports activities);
5. Regular fortified meals.

To avoid developing a bad character that brings trouble to others, adults should give this child maximum kindness and attention.

Dear parents!
Remember that only a qualified pediatrician can make an accurate diagnosis, determine the causes and nature of the disease, and prescribe effective treatment. You can make an appointment with our specialists or call a doctor at home by calling 8-800-700-31-69 Grow up healthy and happy!